Sharing in the Groove: The Untold Story of the ’90s Jam Band Explosion and the Scene That Followed, a new book offering an inside look at how Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, and other bands helped define the jam band scene of the 1990s, is set for release on July 22nd. Told through the voices of the musicians, managers, promoters, fans, and others who were part of it, the book serves as “the untold oral history behind the unlikely rise” of these now-legendary acts.
Written by veteran music journalist Mike Ayers, the book dives into how the scene operated “with its own values and its own unique interactions with fame, record labels, MTV, drugs, and success,” according to the publisher’s description.
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Ayers brings his own deep connection to the scene to the project, having attended over 130 Phish shows, 20 Grateful Dead concerts, and countless performances by the other bands profiled in the book. His personal journey included working backstage at Phish shows as a prep cook in exchange for all-access passes. He also dabbled in the taping scene, recording numerous shows that are still circulating online today.
“Filled with anecdotes and stories directly from the musicians, promoters, managers, roadies, producers, label executives, and fans,” Sharing in the Groove offers a “fun, fast-paced oral history” that captures the spirit of a scene that kept the Grateful Dead ethos alive while paving the way for modern festivals like Bonnaroo.
“It’s amazing to hear how it all came together for the bands that still power the most vibrant music scene in America today,” Pete Shapiro, owner of Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre, and promoter of Fare Thee Well said of the book.
Click here for more information and to pre-order Sharing in the Groove now in hardcover and ebook formats.